The Huntington Study Group (HSG), under the direction of Merit Cudkowicz M.D., M.Sc. (Massachusetts General Hospital), Michael McDermott Ph.D. and Karl Kieburtz M.D. M.P.H. (University of Rochester), is conducting a multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of coenzyme Q₁₀ (CoQ) in individuals with Huntington's disease (HD) to assess the effects of CoQ on the progression of functional decline in HD, as well as the long-term safety and tolerability at the dosage studied. Coenzyme Q₁₀, a naturally occurring substance in the body, is available for purchase over the counter as a nutritional supplement. CoQ is being studied as an investigational drug at a higher dosage than is currently available for purchase.

CoQ has been used to treat a variety of human disorders, including those involving the heart and circulatory system, cancer, muscular dystrophy, a muscle coordination disorder called ataxia, and other disorders. The most marked results seem to have occurred in patients with a preexisting inherited deficiency of CoQ, although the studies reporting this information are limited by their not being controlled clinical trials. However, no serious safety issues have been reported. Recent preliminary studies of CoQ in neurologic disorders such as Parkinson's disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, and Huntington's disease confirm the safety and tolerability of CoQ in daily dosages up to, including, and exceeding the dosage planned for the 2CARE study when used for a short time.

The 2CARE study will be the largest therapeutic clinical trial to date in Huntington's disease. Six hundred eight research participants will be enrolled at approximately forty-six clinical sites in the US, Canada, and Australia. For information about participating at the University of Iowa, please contact Jacky Walker at (319) 353-4537 or jacky-walker@uiowa.edu.